Books for All Children: A Rapid Analysis of the Political Economy Around Textbook Provision

Background Paper for the International Commission on Financing Global Education
Teaching and learning materials are key inputs to support learning, with access to such materials crucial to promoting an inclusive, effective learning environment. However, numerous studies point to the low levels of textbook availability in low- and middle-income countries.

In attempting to counter this problem, there has been growing momentum towards a Global Book Fund (GBF), a potential mechanism to transform the development, procurement and distribution of books to improve reading and learning outcomes for children. The feasibility study for the GBF points to the need to focus on global activities to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness about the value of books, as well as country level measures to fund both technical assistance and books themselves.

This background paper for the Education Commission seeks to complement the efforts of the GBF initiative (now renamed the Global Book Alliance) and specifically probe the role of local, regional and international publishers in textbook provision. Through a combination of literature review and consultations with 18 expert stakeholders, we explored the interplay between state and private publishers, textbook authorship and copyright, and the emerging role of digital learning materials and the interplay of digital with print.

Our consultations made clear that many of the issues identified are context-dependent and that it is very difficult to generalize trends in textbook publishing across countries. Attuned to these sensitivities, we propose five areas for action for the Commission to consider in tackling the problem. These options are drawn from the specific lens of the study, namely addressing the role of local, regional and international publishers in book provision and mechanisms of enhancing textbook content quality and increasing access. The following recommendations are informed by our analyses and consultations with key stakeholders, and will need to be adapted and refined based on country needs:

  • Develop open and transparent textbook selection processes to improve content and quality.
  • Support capacity in setting and pushing forward comprehensive policies and regulations on Information and Communication Technology for Education (ICT4E) and e-learning.
  • Increase coordination between agencies that are involved in ICT4E.
  • Strengthen and promote greater awareness of the role of teachers in textbook selection and usage in order to improve pedagogy and learning outcomes.
  • Implement and support systemic reforms to ensure that the mounting evidence on addressing cost and financing issues is translated into concrete action.

To learn more, download the background paper above.

Global & Regional Initiatives

R4D is a globally recognized leader for designing initiatives that connect implementers, experts and funders across countries to build knowledge and get that knowledge into practice.